The mountain, whose 4,500-foot summit overlooks the town, was purchased in 1909 by the Highlands Improvement Society to protect it from commercial development — the state’s first land trust.

Researchers at the Highlands Biological Station climb Satulah’s slopes to study botany on the evergreen heath bald, birdwatchers track the raptors that use its cliffs, and horticulturists marvel at the yearly display of wildflowers amid the high-elevation plant community. 

Once realized, the Highland Plateau Greenway’s trail will provide a half-mile route to the summit through two lots the Greenway will purchase on Satulah Ridge Road. The trail will feature a small parking area at the bottom and traverse tunnels of rhododendron and mountain laurel spotted with flowering sweet pepperbush. 

The project is expected to cost about $300,000 and take two years to complete. Greenway board members Jim Green and Julian Franklin are spearheading fundraising efforts. 

As part of the planning phase, the Greenway sent letters describing the project to all homeowners in the Satulah Ridge subdivision. 

“Particular care is being taken that the trail become a valued asset for the neighborhood,” said Ran Shaffner, Greenway president. 

So far, the reception has been enthusiastic, Shaffner said. 

Send donations to Highlands Plateau Greenway, P. O. Box 2608, Highlands, N.C. 28741. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..